shefinds | Fashion

Awards shows are typically all about glitz and glam. But at the 75th annual Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday, Hollywood’s finest transcended frivolity by wearing black to stand in solidarity against sexual and racial inequality.

Both actors and actresses wore the muted palette to support the Time’s Up movement, a new effort to fight sexual harassment and abuse across all industries. The initiative, which sponsors a $15 million legal defense fund for victims of these issues, is a direct response to the current political conversation – including accusations of sexual misconduct against male film giants Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Louis C.K that occurred earlier this year. Leading ladies Shonda Rhimes, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Yara Shahidi, and Jessica Chastain are all part of the new organization.

“Time is up on the imbalance of power in our society,” Kerry Washington, a fellow Time’s Up member, said in her interview with NBC on the red carpet. “The reason we didn’t just stay home is that we shouldn’t have to sit out the night, or our seat at the table because of bad behavior that wasn’t ours. We are looking out for anybody who feels marginalized, whether you are a woman or a man, or because of your sexual orientation. We are committed to making change not just in our industry but in every industry.”

While the colors and silhouettes on the red carpet weren’t nearly as bold this year, stars were no less excited to wear the monochromatic look.

“I think a lot of people talking about wearing black, it can be construed as a somber color,” Alison Brie said. “But actually the atmosphere is so celebratory and powerful. That’s what I’m all about baby!”

In addition to wearing black, many actresses brought activists as their guests to show their support for the cause. Emma Watson was accompanied by Marai Larasi, executive director of Imkaan, a British foundation aimed at ending violence against black and minority women. Other notable appearances included Billie Jean King, tennis champion and founder of the Women’s Tennis Association, who is portrayed by Emma Stone in the Golden Globe-nominated film Battle of The Sexes (naturally, Ms. King was Emma Stone’s date). #MeToo founder Tarana Burke was also in attendance, looking equally as stunning as her A-list date, Michelle Williams.

This latest movement marks Hollywood’s growing efforts to give a voice to individuals who don’t benefit from the influence of the limelight. Gold statues and glittering dresses aside, it’s quite refreshing.

“This is a moment of solidarity, not a fashion moment,” Longoria told the New YorkTimes back in January. “For years, we’ve sold these awards shows as women, with our gowns and colors and our beautiful faces and our glamour. This time the industry can’t expect us to go up and twirl around. That’s not what this moment is about.”